Biography:

(She/Her)

Born in the North of England (and easily guessed when you hear her accent!), Ariane grew up and immersed herself within the local fashions and subcultures from a young age, in her vibrant city of Leeds. It was here she began learning many techniques and skills for working with fabrics and textiles from her Mum and Nana.

Ariane further developed her love of fashion while studying at Leeds College of Art and Design. Taking this bubbling passion, she was exceptionally excited to gain a position on the world-renowned university degree of Contour Fashion Design at De Montfort University. Contour Fashion is the study of Lingerie, Corsetry, and Sportswear garments – the only one of its kind in the world, where she completed her studies in 2006 with 25 other students.

The next three years saw Ariane working as a design room assistant for Next UK LTD. This experience was both in the Lingerie, Nightwear, and Swimwear departments, sadly ending due to the 2009 Global Financial Crisis – the catalyst for her adventure and permanent relocation to Australia.

During this time Ariane cemented her love for travel, first arriving in Australia  (via India and Thailand) with only a backpack, and choose to drive around the country for 18 months – she had had no idea quite how big Australia was when setting off!

Upon settling in Melbourne, Ariane secured a position with Diamond Cut International – a sourcing company that worked with clients such as Dita Von Teese, Collette Dinnigan, and Target (among others). Here she worked with the designs right through to the pattern making and fit of the garments, again being made redundant (this time due to the business closing). It was this second redundancy that made Ariane realise that ‘full-time / permanent’ jobs in her industry are not so secure after all – so she decided to go solo.

In March 2017, The Lioness and Her Unicorns was launched. This was to be the first incarnation of where you find yourself today. The Lioness and her Unicorns were to be boudoir and red carpet pieces, bright silks, and sheer laces combined with the precision structure of the garments and intricate attention to detail. Following this launch, by July 2018 Ariane had named her second brand Ariane Bingham Sparkles. This brand focused on making garments from Lycra and Sequins and sold predominantly to performers and clients attending music festivals and events. Excitingly Ariane had the opportunity to dress Dannii Minogue for her Australian tour and also has had a costume on stage with Madonna.

Sadly, or that is how it was seen at the time, Covid-19 meant it was time for another change. This time, being that Ariane would need to close her Melbourne studio and showroom due to cost and lockdowns and chose to relocate to the south coast of Australia, to a town called Bomaderry  – 2 hours south of Sydney.

Ariane has a great passion for the work that she does and never takes for granted the opportunities laid before her. A free spirit and an innovator, she realised that this change would not be for the worst – and has used it as an opportunity to re-evaluate how she wants to work, her lifestyle, her family, and the type of work she would like to be doing with you and her other clients!

Ariane began her training to become a celebrant in 2022 and is exceptionally happy now to have Celebrancy as an offering with her work. Having completed a qualification in 2014 for wedding planning, and having made countless wedding gowns over the years she really does have an incredible knowledge for weddings and all things linked to them. Combine that with her infectious personality, calming influence,  her desire to make sure everyone’s day is as unique as themselves, and you'll be set for a wedding or celebration to remember (and it won’t be because your aunty got drunk and made a fool of herself!)

Having started her family in 2023, Ariane now shares her days with her son, the family dog Bonobo and her long term partner. No day is ever the same for this creative, though the narrative of wanting to ensure you feel great in your body, your clothing and at your special event always sings strong within each project she works on and the people she attracts to work with

Ariane is excited for the future of her work and is always willing to work on a project that resonates – so please do get in touch if what you are looking for is not shown on this site, all it may take is a conversation to set the wheels in motion

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